Russia coach Guus Hiddink implied that Cristiano Ronaldo does not deserve to be the best in the world as he considers Steven Gerrard to be a better footballer. Ronaldo was recently named FIFA Footballer of the Year for 2008, in a voting which saw Liverpool ace Gerrard finishing tenth. However, Hiddink is unconvinced with the result, stressing that Ronaldo is only better in terms of glamour. "Cristiano Ronaldo is a good-looking footballer, he looks fit and, oh yes, his hair is always in place, but him winning the award is too much about glamour," the Dutchman told the Daily Mail. "I very much preferred Gerrard. He has superb technical and tactical qualities and I admire his spirit and attitude on the pitch.
Hiddink "It has everything to do with his passion for the game and my passion for football. "He is a player who fans can identify themselves with and a man who carries the love for his club on his club badge. There is no another player in the world who combines all those qualities. "He is the type of player who appeals so much more to me than Cristiano Ronaldo. Of course, Ronaldo entertains the crowds and has great skills, but it is too much glamour and show." Despite his lavish praise for Gerrard, Hiddink has ironically gave his vote to Barcelona schemer Xavi, followed by Gerrard and Lionel Messi in the yearly FIFA ceremony. "Xavi and Messi are not as much focused on themselves. They focus on the team," added the former Real Madrid coach.
